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Lady Day Opens at Arena Stage - D.C
 Four
months
before her
death, Billie “Lady Day” Holiday gives one of her final performances
for a few regulars
at Emerson’s Bar &
Grill in Philadelphia in Lady
Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill
at Arena
Stage in
Washington, D.C. The musical portrait by Lanie
Robertson explores Holiday’s triumphs and struggles amidst her rise to
become one of the country’s most renowned entertainers.
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Between renditions of such classics as
“God Bless the Child” and
“Strange Fruit,” Holiday recounts the highs and lows of her troubled
life as an entertainer. Her reflective, but humorous
reminiscences and her lyrically nuanced songs that were her “salvation”
all contribute to a joyful, riveting celebration of her artistry and
life.
Set designer Shaun L. Motley (Cuttin’
Up) and the design team have
further transformed the Kreeger Theater at Arena Stageinto an authentic jazz bar by adding special stage-side “cabaret”
seating. Cocktail tables with two chairs surround the stage at the
front of the house, replacing the first row of traditional
seating. Patrons in all seats are allowed to bring drinks into
the theater to enjoy during the play that runs through Sunday, June 4.
Photos: Left - Lynn Sterling as Billie
"Lady Day" Holiday. Right: Arena Stage's Senior Dramaturg
Mark Bly with activists Dick Gregory and Publisher Wayne Young during
press night. As dramaturg, Bly is responsible for helping to
make the play historically correct. |
